The Netherlands are a country stereotyped by it’s infamously known Red Light District, and its smoke-friendly coffeeshops in its capital city of Amsterdam. However, The Netherlands offers much more than just a good party. Chalked full of history, artwork, and beauty this country is that deserves it’s own sojourn when traveling in Europe.
Museums to Visit:
Anne Frank House – This historical museum is the location where world-renown writer, Anne Frank, and her family lived in hiding for two years of Holocaust during World War II. During the tour, visitors experience what life was like inside the small secret annex that was hidden by a bookshelf, and see the impact that the young girl’s diary had around the world. Don’t forget to book your tickets beforehand, or otherwise be prepared to wait in the long line for up to 4 hours.
Van Gogh Museum – Homeland of the famous Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh, the country is saturated in his artwork, and the apex of this is at the Van Gogh Museum. Located at Museumplein in Amsterdam, the museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s in the world. Comprised of a collection of 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 personal letters, the museum is dedicated to education about the life and influence of Van Gogh. Don’t forget to keep your camera turned off during your visit, because photography is prohibited.
Kröller-Müller Museum in De Hoge Veluwe National Park – Located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park — the largest protected area in the country — is a museum that hold’s the second largest collection of Van Gogh’s in the world: Kröller-Müller. Surrounding the museum is also one of the largest sculpture garden’s in Europe with over 160 sculptures. I suggest that visitors take a bike ride from the entrance of the park all the way to the museum to experience all that the park has to offer. The museum is about an hour and half trip from Amsterdam.
Food & Drinks to Try:
ROEM Lunch Room – If you’re looking for a great lunch spot in Amsterdam head on over to ROEM! The restaurant specializes in club sandwich that are a true bang for your buck (or euro). A giant BLT club sandwich, made with all fresh ingredient, is only $7.50, and usually is large enough to take with you for later. Best part? It’s located right on Prinsengracht canal where you can sit and soak up the sun while you enjoy your meal.
Heineken Experience – If you are a beer lover, don’t forget stop by the Heineken Brewery! The brewery has daily tours that take you through the history of company, the brewing process, the international branding, and, of course, let’s you drink plenty of their beer at the end of the tour. Buy tickets early to avoid the long queue.
De Dampkring – If you are interested in the coffeeshop scene in Amsterdam, De Dampkring is the one you must visit. Becoming more famous after a scene from Ocean’s 12 was filmed there, the coffeeshop is a great place to see what coffeeshops are like. The establishment serves an array of coffee drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes to cure your thirst. Don’t forget to hit the ATM before you visit, because the establishment is cash-only.
